Hotels in Canberra

We started our trip with low expectations. Because Australia has such an amazing coastline we were not sure about travel to an inland location, however we were pleasantly surprised. Canberra is not a beautiful city to look at. However the range of cultural experiences is fantastic. I traveled with my children (5 and 7) and my parents (aged 60+).Places we visited included Questacon (where we could have spent at least 3 days), the national gallery with the fantastic exhibition by Tom Roberts and the Australian Institute of Sports.The highlight of the trip for the children was Questacon (a science museum). My son enjoyed playing a fuseball type game against a robot. He also loved the 6m free fall down the slide. For the adults , the National Gallery was the highlight, although the war memorial, where we were moved by the closing ceremony, was a close second. The 3-in-1 ticket which we purchased at our first stop, Cockington Gardens, proved good value. The ticket included entry to the gardens themselves (a miniature city with working models of trains and mines), the Australian Institute of Sports and Questacon. Each attraction probably requires a day to explore fully but you can get a feel in half a day. Each attraction has plenty of cheap, accessible parking. The National Gallery did a great job of providing stimulation specifically for kids while keeping the adults busy enjoying the artwork. The Telstra tower on Black Mountain Drive was also good value. It provides 360 degree views of the city and it also has a 360 degree outside viewing area. The tower is open from 8am to 10pm most nights and for us was a great way to end our day. We went up at 8:30pm and enjoyed the indoor viewing at dusk and watched the sunset from the outdoor viewing area. there is also a restaurant there which was closed on the night we went. Overall, we left enriched by our experience and happily surprised by the variety and depth of culture that the city has to offer.

New and Old Parliament Houses in between dining cafes to soak, read up information provided. Highly recommend small group tours both houses led by very passionate exceptional information staff. At new Parliament House paId for Discovery Tour (very worthwhile), also offer free tours. At old Parliament House free tour with enthusiastic volunteer. Appreciated and felt very proud hearing first hand Australia's history, architectural design qualities, viewing art works and much more. Attended very impressive complete Tom Roberts exhibition and contemporary art Canberra's outstanding National Art Gallery in between dining Pop Up Street Food exterior and cafe interior again to relax and soak all information provided. Location surrounds pure relaxing, quiet delight with Australian bush and beautiful rose gardens set backdrop of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Highly recommend visiting Canberra to see hear, learn Australian history and so much more. Every recommended tourist activity offers so much you need time to digest and explore. I missed so much due to taking time to digest at these two locations, however for me what I saw, learnt was educational and inspirational. I will return.

We came for the art - the NGA firstly and then the Portrait Gallery. Doesn't matter what the major attraction at the NGA is the rest of the gallery always deserves a thorough visit. With the portrait gallery a short walk away that should really be a two day program but an overwhelming way to spend a full day. Then there is the choice between the National Museum and the War Memorial. How much time do you have because I haven't mentioned a visit to the top of town for that total all round look at the capital. A walk in the gardens below deserves a generous amount of time. A drive around the lake marvellous ! And, on a good sunny day, don't you envy those enthusiastic boaters adding charm to the water with a stunning backdrop of the hills around. I will leave the food to be described by someone with a greater knowledge than mine but there were so many places to eat at that a true foodie could spend weeks touring them. With more time then Canberra is a great place to use at a base to visit attractions a little further from the centre of town. I don't believe there is a better display, in Australia, of wooden products, than that at Bungendore. A tremendous display of Australian craft ability so close.

Australian War Memorial is a must see. It is a memorial, a shrine, a museum and an historical archive and research centre all in one. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours (we spent half a day). The hall of memory with it's beautiful dome, mosaics and stained glass windows and the honour roll covered in tiny red poppies left by people paying their respects are incredibly moving. Leading from the Australian War Memorial is Anzac Parade, a wide, memorial lined, avenue heading towards Australia's Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle. The Parliamentary Triangle contains memorials and buildings of significance, the National Art Gallery (and at least two other art galleries), the National Library and National Archive, Questacon (National Science and Technology Centre - great place for children to visit) as well as the old and new parliament houses. The Parliamentary Triangle is tree lined and on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin so it is lovely to walk or cycle around the area.

Found visiting Parliament House( old & new) informative & made you really feel proud yo be an Australian. War memorial excellent - extremely well laid out & emotional visiting the poppy memorial wall. Need 2 days minumum there to appreciate. Look outs-Telstra Tower & Mt Ainslie wonderful. Enjoyed the mint visit( although not working when there!) - so did not see production process. A visit to Cockington Green minitaure Gardens worth it as is the Aviary not far from it. A visit to the Deep Space complex - although a 45 min drive- was intersting & worth the drive. Questacon - a science based interactive place of interest, was lots of fun & informative. Recommrnd for all ages! The christmas tree/ 13 days of christmas lights display ( supporting SIDS) was a lovely surprise & lots of fun. Surprised & dissapointed ( as were other visitors we spoke to) that the Glassworks was shut during peak holiday / visitor season. May need to be looked into! A great place for a good meal is The Pork Barrel near Old Parliament house. A 4-5 day visit ideal.

Best place to view is the National War Memorial - amazing 3D displays. My husband and I spent 5 hours there with a break at Poppy's Cafe next to the memorial. Excellent service and memorabilia was also at the cafe. Parliament house was a great place to visit with amazing tapestry in great hall. We also went to the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain and trekked back from here to the Botanical Gardens. Beautiful rain forest and lots of Australian plants including a red center garden. There is many other Museum's that we visited and enjoyed visiting the Tom Roberts exhibition and walking beside the lake. It is a good place to walk to most great sites to see. For those who love coffee and cafe - plenty of choice near the Canberra Center Shopping complex. Amazing dinner at Jamie's Italian but remember to book as it is very popular. We spent 5 days visiting which was just the right amount of time.